Fred's Super Dollar names new sourcing team

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's Super Dollar on Wednesday announced that Craig Barnes and Kelly Ma have joined the company and will lead its new sourcing team. Barnes assumes the role of SVP global sourcing and hardlines, bringing more than 20 years of progressive retail merchandising/sourcing experience to the company. Ma, with eight years of experience in sourcing, product procurement, development, vendor selection and financial planning, joins as VP international and domestic sourcing.

Prior to joining Fred's, Barnes was VP global independent aftermarket and OE service for Delphi Products & Service Solution, where he was responsible for setting product and customer pursuit strategy and capability development, overseeing four regions, including Asia Pacific, Latin America, EMEA and North America. Previously, he was the SVP merchandising, pricing, global sourcing, marketing and inventory demand planning for General Parts/CARQUEST. Barnes began his retail career at AutoZone with experience in merchandising and store operations.

Previously, Ma was the global sourcing-import coordinator for AutoZone, responsible for identifying and presenting import opportunities for assigned category teams and managing the entire import process from beginning to final execution of products in stores. In addition, Ma was responsible for managing the compliance process for direct import suppliers, factory audits and production sample inspections. Earlier in her career, she was the merchant ­ men's sportswear for Fred's and was responsible for brand building, production selection and price negotiations, with accountability for sales margin performance and inventory.

"Our sourcing team, with greater focus for Fred's, will strengthen our overall inventory and buying management capabilities," said Bruce Efird, Fred's CEO. "Craig and Kelly bring the knowledge and experience needed to drive improvement in product sourcing throughout all general merchandise departments. While significant actions already are underway to improve buying processes and efficiently redeploy inventory dollars, our new sourcing team allows the Company to manage inventory levels more effectively and source goods more competitively in the future."

Efird also announced that Fred's has engaged Test Rite International as a strategic sourcing contractor to augment the Fred's global sourcing strategy.

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